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LT released, can anyone top Emmitt's record
Written by Rex Jaybels   
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 13:43

ladainian-tomlinson

The San Diego Chargers released LaDainian Tomlinson Monday, and while it's hard to forget how good LT was just four years ago, when he rushed for over 1,800-yards and 28 touchdowns, it does make me wonder if any player will be able to eclipse the 18,355-yards that Emmitt Smith rushed for over his 13-year career.

Many aren't aware of the exact number or the list of names in line to go after that particular NFL record, but Tomlinson was thought to be the one that was going to break it. He stands today free to join any team that might be interested and some 7,000 yards from the top.

Talent, durability and a dominating line team helped Emmitt jump the great Walter Payton, and in a league that has transitioned to the passing game, you have to wonder who might be the one to begin a chase towards Smith, if anyone can.

Below is the list of the NFL's rushing leaders, with active players in red:

NFL All-Time Rushing Leaders
Rk Player Team(s) Carries Yards
1 Emmitt Smith Arizona Cardinals (2003-2004)
Dallas Cowboys (1990-2002)
 4409 18,355
2 Walter Payton Chicago Bears (1975-1987) 3838 16,726
3 Barry Sanders Detroit Lions (1989-1998) 3062 15,269
4 Curtis Martin New York Jets (1998-2005)
New England Patriots (1995-1997)		 3518 14,101
5 Jerome Bettis Pittsburgh Steelers (1996-2005)
Los Angeles Rams (1993-1995)
 3479 13,662
6 Eric Dickerson Atlanta Falcons (1993)
Los Angeles Raiders (1992)
Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991)
Los Angeles Rams (1983-1987)		 2996 13,259
7 Tony Dorsett Denver Broncos (1988)
Dallas Cowboys (1977-1987)		 2936 12,739
8 Jim Brown Cleveland Browns (1957-1965) 2359 12,312
9 Marshall Faulk Saint Louis Rams (1999-2005)
Indianapolis Colts (1994-1998)		 2836 12,279
10 Marcus Allen Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1997)
Los Angeles Raiders (1982-1992)		 3022 12,243
11 *Edgerrin James Arizona Cardinals (2006 - present)
Indianapolis Colts (1999-2005)		 2982 12,121
12 Franco Harris Seattle Seahawks (1984)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1972-1983)		 2949 12,120
13 Thurman Thomas Miami Dolphins (2000)
Buffalo Bills (1988-1999)		 2877 12,074
14 *LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers (2001-present) 2657 11,760
15 John Riggins Washington Redskins (1976-1985)
New York Jets (1971-1975)		 2916 11,352
16 *Fred Taylor Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-present) 2428 11.271
17 Corey Dillon New England Patriots (2004-2006)
Cincinnati Bengals (1997-2003)		 2618 11,241
18 O.J. Simpson San Francisco 49ers (1978-1979)
Buffalo Bills (1969-1977)		 2404 11,236
19 *Warrick Dunn Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008)
Atlanta Falcons (2002-2006)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997-2001)		 2669 10,967
20 Ricky Watters Seattle Seahawks (1998-2001)
Philadelphia Eagles (1995-1997)
San Francisco 49ers (1992-1994)		 2622 10,643
21 Tiki Barber New York Giants (1997-2006) 2217 10,449
22 Eddie George Dallas Cowboys (2004)
Tennessee Titans (1996-2003)		 2865 10,441
23 Ottis Anderson New York Giants (1986-1992)
Saint Louis Cardinals (1979-1986)		 2562 10,273
24 *Jamal Lewis Cleveland Browns (2007)
Baltimore Ravens (2000-2006)		 2399 10,107
25 Joe Perry San Francisco 49ers (1948 - 1960, 1963)
Baltimore Colts (1961 - 1962)		 1929 9,723
26 *Shaun Alexander Seattle Seahawks (2000-present) 2176 9,429
27 Earl Campbell New Orleans Saints (1984-1985)
Houston Oilers (1978-1984)		 2187 9,407
28 * Clinton Portis Wastington Redskins (2004 - present)
Denver Broncos (2002 - 2003)		 2052 9,202
29 * Ahman Green Houston Texans (2007)
Green Bay Packers (2000-2006)
Seattle Seahawks (1998-1999)		 1941 8,751
30 Terry Allen Baltimore Ravens (2001)
New Orleans Saints (2000)
New England Patriots (1999)
Washington Redskins (1995-1998)
Minnesota Vikings (1991-1992, 1994)		 2152 8,614
31 Jim Taylor New Orleans Saints (1967)
Green Bay Packers (1958-1966)		 1941 8,597

*Active player - 2008 NFL Season
** Updated Jan. 7th, 2009

Sources:
pro-football-reference.com
databasefootball.com
wikipedia.org
espn.com

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